C-Support
Gangrel: Oh-ho! Well, look who it is! The Mad King and the Cabbage Patch Hero finally have a chance to chit-chat.
Link: ...I've nothing to say to you...
Gangrel: Ha! Moody today, are you, hero? Come now... I am a member of the Shepherds. We are allies, yes? The good prince would like us to get along.
Link: ...If it were up to me, you wouldn't even be alive right now... We have bigger problems than a pathetic rat like you, though, so I can understand letting you live... But working together? I argued with Chrom at length about this. He's the one in charge, and I was unable to change his mind... While I respect his decision, I don't agree with it whatsoever... Be grateful that he's more forgiving than I am.
Gangrel: Oh my! So violent! It seems a growling beast has taken the place of the meek and timid mouse! Really now, you'd best curb those bloodthirsty thoughts of yours, boy. You're starting to sound like my former self. You haven't forgotten, have you? Years ago when I ruled Plegia from atop a mountain of corpses?
Link: Tch... You'd really compare us? I'm nothing like you.
Gangrel: Not today, perhaps, but it's all too easy for power to warp one's moral compass... You're one of the greatest warriors this land has ever seen. You have skilled fighters on your side who trust and admire you... From where little ol' me is standing, you have power aplenty at your fingertips.
Link: ...What? And you think I'm at risk of mishandling that power?
Gangrel: You are a fool if you think yourself above the temptations of man, little hero. That strong, unwavering sense of justice that you suckle on? It won't happen overnight, but it can twist itself into something much more depraved if left unchecked. And if it does? Take it from me, kid; you won't realize what's changed inside that head of yours until it's too late.
Link: ...I don't disagree... I've seen it happen to others before.
Gangrel: Oh? Have you now?
Link: A farmhand by the name of Ingo lost himself in the same way... He took control of the family ranch from his boss... Let his jealousy and greed get the best of him... I still haven't forgiven him for putting my friend Malon and her father through that mess... And I doubt I'll ever forgive you for your atrocities, either.
Gangrel: Hmph... This farmhand and I sound like two rotten peas in a pod, eh?
Link: I've seen men lose their way before... I won't let anything like that happen to me.
Gangrel: I need not remind you that jealousy and greed are not the only forces that can bring a man to ruin, yes? A blinding desire for revenge, for instance, can do just the same.
Link: ...You think that I want revenge on you?... On Ingo?
Gangrel: Pah! I cannot speak for you, boy! This is simply a broken man giving a small morsel of advice to one who has not yet fallen.
Link: I don't want your advice... Why would I?
Gangrel: Oh gods, save your breath. I'm aware that a titanic failure like myself has no right to offer wisdom to the celebrated and legendary Hero of Time, but I will do so anyway. I'm the Mad King, dammit!
Link: Speak, then, and get this over with... This has gone on longer than I intended.
Gangrel: All I ask is that you consider extending an olive branch to the newly reformed Gangrel. Do not misunderstand; I do not deserve such a blessing, nor do I expect it! However, holding onto all that hatred is unhealthy for a pure and righteous heart like yours. Consider following your leader's example, hmm?
Link: ...Not happening... Now move out of the way...
Gangrel: ...Meh... Well, Prince, you cannot say that I never tried...
B-Support
Gangrel: My, my! Isn't this a dreadful turn of events? Hero and villain teaming up to hone their skills? It looks to be your lucky day, boy! Go ahead and take the first swing! It's on me! Literally! Bwahaha!
Link: Robin let him join in on combat drills?... Goddess help me...
Gangrel: Oh? Where's that fire in your eyes? This is your opportunity. Enact retribution on the former Mad-King! What, have you got iron in your boots?
Link: …
Gangrel: *groan* Seriously?... Nothing?... And to think, there was actually a smidgen of excitement growing in this dead man's chest...
Link: You really wanna do this?
Gangrel: But of course! Bring yourself back to the day I was dethroned, hero. Recall the final battle between our warring nations.
Link: …When you were defeated at the Border Wastes? What about it?
Gangrel: You were the one who led the charge. Just when my men are starting to gain some momentum, I catch sight of a sickeningly green demon headed toward me with glowing sword in hand, ready to cut me to shreds.
Link: …"If I kill him, the war ends."... That's all I was thinking.
Gangrel: And how right you were! However... didn't the finale leave you feeling a bit... hmm, oh, I don't know... disappointed? Let down, possibly?
Link: What reason would I have to feel disappointed?... We won.
Gangrel: Oh, you assuredly did, but it was Commander Chrom who swooped in at the last minute and dealt me the killing blow!... Or, at least, what you all thought was a killing blow.
Link: ...And you think that bothers me?... That I wasn't the one to end it?
Gangrel: You relish the thrill of battle, Link! From our brief encounter that day, I could see it plainly. Don't you wish for the chance to settle the score? Well, here it is! Show me firsthand what a "hero" is capable of!
Link: ...Fine... If it'll make you stop talking, then I'll give you what you want.
- Scene Fade Out/In -
Gangrel: Goodness... Isn't this a sorry sight?
Link: *pant* Damn it... You're toying with me... Jumping around like a tektite... Not even attacking... Just trying to wear me down...
Gangrel: I do so hate to rub salt in the wound, boy, but now I fear I'm the one who is left unsatisfied. I know you can do better. Once upon a time, I was on the receiving end of it, for crying out loud.
Link: ...You're not taking this seriously...
Gangrel: Hmph... No, I'm afraid I'm not. Why would I when all you can see is red?
Link: ...Huh?
Gangrel: Clear your head, hero! You are angry. Upset. Irritated. Full of rage... Yes, I am quick on my feet, but the reason you cannot touch me is due to you swinging that wooden stick around with such reckless abandon!
Link: …
Gangrel: Ah, what's the saying? "A chain is only as strong as its weakest link"? Well, I can say with confidence that this is the weakest Link that I've ever fought.
Link: ...What's the point of all this? You're trying to rile me up, but... for what?
Gangrel: So you want the truth, do you?... It's Chrom.
Link: ...Chrom?
Gangrel: He and Robin both. They know you take issue with my being here.
Link: ...Yeah, I do, and I don't understand why they don't.
Gangrel: Oh, they do. The key difference is that they refuse to let our temporary truce transform them into emotional wrecks. Unlike you, hero. The mere thought of us working toward a common goal is enough to throw you off your game. Ever since I joined this merry band, you've gotten sloppy, and those two noticed.
Link: ...They're right... but I can't just forget what you've done.
Gangrel: And so, I approached you today thinking that we could patch this rift between us, if only a teensy-tiny bit. I was told some moronic drivel about the closest of bonds being forged through competition, and so on and so forth... Pah! A heaping load of bull plop, if you ask me!
Link: …
Gangrel: Anyhoo, take care, Hero of Time. Perhaps we can try to play nice on another occasion.
Link: ...Maybe he is trying to change...
A-Support
Link: Ah!... Shoot... This is not a good look... *pant* I'm wounded... Nearly surrounded... and I'm far from any other ally... *pant* I never should have went ahead on my own... No fairies left... Red potion is running low... What was I thinking?... I deserve to die for screwing up so-
Gangrel: Ah-ha, found you at last, you green pain in my ass!
Link: G-Gangrel?! Where the hell did you come from?!
Gangrel: You know, everyone here tells me what a reliable guy you are. A real "one-man army", some have even said. Well, I have yet to meet him!
Link: Hey, we can argue once we get back to-
Gangrel: Have you completely lost it, boy?! What? Is the world of the living not exciting enough for you? Thought you might see new sights in the afterlife, hmm?
Link: Shut up for a second! There's at least three archers circling this area, and they've probably got us pinned down. I bet that they're already calling for-
Gangrel: Three archers? Ah, you're speaking of the archers who, courtesy of my trusty Levin Sword here, met an untimely end via lightning bolt? Those archers?
Link: ...You already took care of them?
Gangrel: Yes, yes, glory to me, hooray, whoopee... Now then, I suppose I must also get you back to safety... Good grief, the absolute nonsense I am forced to put up with...
Link: I can walk, but I'll need help if we run into an enemy... Once we get out of this forest, I'll shoot a few fire arrows into the sky... Our pegasus knights know the signal.
Gangrel: Aye aye, hero.
- Scene Fade Out/Fade In -
Link: Gangrel! I need to talk to you for a second.
Gangrel: What is it? Here to thank me for saving your sorry hide?
Link: Yes, exactly... Thank you, Gangrel, truly... You put your own life on the line in an effort to save mine... I thought the Mad King could never change, but you've proven me wrong.
Gangrel: Blegh... Save it, hero. This life is not mine to give anymore. After I was overthrown, I became a directionless maggot drifting through a sea of nothingness. You, Chrom, and Robin... It's ironic that the ones responsible for my "death" have now given this former king new life and purpose.
Link: ...They might have, but I never did.
Gangrel: Not intentionally, perhaps. Everything that transpired today, though? Me getting to play the role of "hero" for once?... It felt good, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.
Link: ...I'm happy for you... Honestly...
Gangrel: But keep your gratitude to yourself, please. It's going to be a looong, long while before I've even come close to clearing my name. I've committed countless sins that I have yet to answer for, and until I have, I will not accept your appreciation.
Link: ...Fair enough...
Gangrel: Frankly, I agree with what you said in the past. Chrom is rather insane for taking me in; there's no doubt about that. I nearly killed his sister, the exalt at the time! Look at the state she is in now... Even still, they put aside their hate and work with me... Utterly baffling...
Link: I have a strong sense of justice... The violence you brought about as king of Plegia, and the suffering that the King of Evil brought upon Hyrule... My blood boils just thinking of what I've seen... Maybe that's part of being a hero... I'm not able to excuse these terrible actions, so I take it upon myself to deal them the punishment they deserve.
Gangrel: Yeesh... A repulsively honorable sentiment, but it fits you, boy... Try not to let your temper run wild anymore, though, hmm? Bringing about justice is one thing, and throwing your life away like an idiot is another!
Link: Y-Yeah, I'll work on that... And I know you won't accept it, but again, thank you... Without your aid, I'd likely be dead right now, so... I don't forgive you, Gangrel, but I think I can finally trust you.
Gangrel: Hmph... That's more than I'm willing to ask for, and much more than I am owed, but if you are offering?... Then here's to our collaboration, hero! Let us deliver that delicious judgment to the fell dragon personally!
A/N:
Gangrel is a very witty character. Even though I enjoy writing him, he is a challenge to get right. I tried to live up to his in-game self as best I could.